Content area
Full Text
IMMEDIACY and long distance connectivity are two big advantages of using a modem and telephone line hooked into a desktop computer to find out about (and in some cases participate in) composting and recycling initiatives around the world. The computer dials a number and, with the click of a mouse or a few taps on the Enter key, an organized collection of information on the subject in question appears on the computer screen. In some cases, this convenience can be quite costly. However, even for budget conscious recyclers, there are low cost ways of accessing a great deal of relevant data, learning from others in the field and finding markets for materials. The bulletin boards and World Wide Web sites detailed here are a representative sampling of what is currently available.
BULLETIN BOARD SYSTEMS
RecycleNet in Colorado was started in 1992 to offer recyclers in the state--especially those in rural areas--a way to get in touch with each other and find markets for materials. With an initial $25,000 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, an electronic bulletin board was established in 1992. Subsequent funding has enabled the free service to include database of recycling markets, a library of information and contacts, relevant state and federal legislation, private e-mail, public, forums and user groups for specific organizations. "People are developing partnerships over RecycleNet," says Kari Anderson, network coordinator. "Rural communities are very creative in handling their recycling and composting problems. This is one place where practitioners can learn from each other's experience." Since April, 1994, Anderson estimates around 4,000 calls have come into the system, which has funding to continue at least until 1998.
Overall, 2,500 people have registered; 200 or so are frequent callers. Most are from within the state, but nonresidents also can check it out for the cost of a long distance phone call. To connect, dial (303) 620-4096. For more information, contact RecycleNet, Governor's Office of Energy Conservation, 1675 Broadway, Suite 1300, Denver, CO 80202-4613.(303)620-4096.
BioNet in Seattle, Washington is designed to enable professionals who work with biosolids and composted materials to interact with others in the field. Supported by the Northwest Biosolids Management Association (NBMA)--a consortium of municipalities, government agencies, universities and vendors--the system is available to all users free...